Question
Hi Sue,

I stuck a petal in my notebook, covering it entirely with selotape.  But a week later and its turned completely brown.  Is there any way I can preserve the colors of the petal?  

I don't know if this is within your area of specialty, but any help or ideas will be appreciated.  

Thanks.

Regards,
Usuff

Answer
Dear Usuff,

Yes I know exactly what you mean,this has happened to me also.

I can give you a couple of things to try but I'm not sure if they will work;

1) Press a petal. Place it between some sheets of tissue paper and place under a heavy stack of books for a couple of weeks. (works with pansies!)

2) If you dry flowers in a steady heat (ie an airing cupboard/boiler room) the petals will keep their colour but sadly they do shrivel up too!

3) the most expensive option is to purchase some silica gel (try a pharmacy). This is a powder, a bit like sugar and the idea is to place a layer of it in an airtight container (small tupperware box) then you place your petal on this layer and cover with more silica and just leave it for a week or so. This removes all the moisture from the flower without changing its appearance too much.


Hope these help and good luck!

Sue